Jiffy

A way of life. Martial Arts has given me all the non-material things I've ever wanted. It gave me confidance, humility, respect, fitness, fun, social interaction, goals and the list goes on and on. Martial Arts has formed me into the person I am today and I wouldn't it any other way!

We actively encourage people to train elsewhere as well as with ourselves. Sure, it's probably not the best thing for student retention, but who cares, it's what's best for the student that matters. People like this really annoy me! As for honesty, this is paramount!! I judge a person by how honest they are. There is nothing worse that says one thing to your face and another behined your back. Liars are my pet hate!!

Patusai, you are so correct. Unfortunately politics interferes with the ultimate reality that we all want to be the best Martial Artists we can be. All we can do is finding a training organisation/arangement that is suitable for us and get out of it what we can.

This principle works very well in theory and in the dojo, but I am yet to use it or see it used in the street.

pitty it won't be here!!

As far as I'm aware, no they don't. To me, that would be against the whole principle of JKD.

It was taken from the 3 primary unarmed Japanese forms that we no know as Karate, Aikido and JuJitsu Ninjutsu (Art of Stealth) was taught through 18 lessons ranging from geography to explosives, to Martial Arts. Among these was various styles of Martial Arts. The unarmed part was called Taijutsu (Art of Body) and consisted of three main parts. JuJitsu (soft art), AikiJutsu (Art of spirit union) and KarateJutsu (art of china hand). PS - yes, "China Hand", not "Open/Empty Hand" as it was later changed to.

Not only will that help your son, it will also be a good thing for his friend and help the dojo too.

Very good post. Some great info.

^^ As you mentioned, each has their own advantage. I don't agree that rounded punches don't have the power of linier ones, because they leverage through the use of rotation, but definately they are slower and easier to see coming and therefore, we don't teach them.

I'm gonna put this bluntly, that is just pathetic. If they cannot handle people leaving, then they shouldn't be teaching them in the first place. Instructors like this lack humility, character and acceptance and as far as I'm concerned are a disgrace to the Martial Arts industry. Even if he now would let your son go back, I personally wouldn't take my son back to someone like that!!

As previously mentioned, the time expected more depends on the club. I've seen some in that will give a black belt immediately, then there is the other. I once went to a JuJitsu school and they tell you straight away, expect about 10 years to get to black belt. They did it for two reasons. 1) to be up front and honest with what they are all about. 2) to put off anyone who is not serious about training.

Why was your friend attacking you with a sword???

I'd have to disagree with that one. In my experience, most beginners do the kiai incorrectly as well. The normally and push the kiai out from the throat as opposed to pushing it out from the "Hara" (centre of energy, but in english would translate to the abdomen area)

What do you mean Wolfen?

I think so!

I have never had a bad experience meeting a hero of mine yet. All have been great. Quite Lucky.

Hi There, I'm guessing by your name and the fact that this is either your first time, or more likely, you are usually from this site, but want to remain anonymous, either way, I don't suppose it matters. The first thing is, don't be embarrassed. You are who you are and you can't change that. Be proud of it. Just because you may struggle with some things does not mean you don't excel with others. Remember that fear is the biggest thing that will prevent us from learning and embarrassment produces fear. So, when practising, just try your best, try to remain happy and as you said, remember you are doing this for fun. Make sure that you are concentrating as hard as you can. Don't slacken off. If you are training as well as you can, but the instructor feels that you are slackening off, then he has a misunderstanding of what you are going through. Instructors are not perfect, nor are they mind readers. Speak to him. Explain the situation and explain your feelings. For most instructors, if you mention your are feeling rather discouraged, this will ring a few alarm bells. Be open and honest with your instructor. When you do this, make sure it is a good time to talk to him. Better still, before class, just ask him if you can speak to him briefly after class. This means that when you do go to speak to him, he will know it's important and will go into effective listening mode straight away. As for books, don't worry about them. I really think the best thing you can do is speak with your instructor. Another way to try and help you along is that when you finish training, go out to your car as you normally would, but before you drive home, make some notes on your training. Write down forms, techniques, hints and tips, mistakes and feelings. This will help you to remember your training better and increase your memory of everything. Most instructors will offer private lessons if you request them. They will not be cheap, but if you feel that you will get your through then it's well worth the investment. Most of all, just remember that it's a hobby. The worst thing for your progress is to stress because stress will take away from productive thinking and then it's just one big visous cicle. Just relax and have fun. Hope this helps.

HAHAHA, now that would have to be one very unique Dojo!!!

Parkerlineage is correct. Take a deep breath and just take a step back for a moment. Chi/Ki is not a material object, so try not to think of it as such. Try to think of it more like wind as opposed to air. Air can be contained, but wind cannot. It is the movement that turns air into wind just as it is the flow that turns energy in Chi/Ki. You cannot damage your Chi/Ki, so just relax and begin to meditate again. When meditating, do not try to work out what should or shouldn't be, just contemplate what is. Therefore, do not try to form something (eg. a ball), just contemplate.

That's sounds like great fun! Pitty I'm an instructor now and that wouldn't be very nice.

I know how you feel. I had no gaps and it took me about 12.

Exactly. Keep us posted on how you go.

That's fantastic!!

Even that is rare in today's society. Fighting is no longer seen as an honerable thing by most.